'That is a dangerous situation...': Former India cricketer's stern warning to RCB ahead of IPL 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu believes that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be under pressure for their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) which is scheduled to take place on May 23 at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

The 61-year-old further explained that since SRH are already eliminated from the playoffs, they will play without any pressure and that makes them lethal in the upcoming outing against RCB.

"The underdog has no fear. You saw how Lucknow played. The pressure is on RCB because they need two points. When you run after something, it runs further ahead. SRH don't have any pressure. They have to play their game freely. That is a dangerous situation," he said.

Sidhu suggested the Rajat Patidar-led side tread cautiously against SRH because the clash will going to be a leveller. He wants RCB to finish in the top two after the league phase to enhance their chances of lifting the trophy.

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"They have everything to gain and nothing to lose, whereas RCB have to tread cautiously. This game is a great leveller. I feel it's a case of eternal vigilance. Play keeping in mind that if you win tomorrow (Friday), it can take you a long way forward because the top two teams have only won from 2011 to 2024, except SRH in 2016," Sidhu observed.

RCB has had a memorable season so far. The franchise is currently in second place with 17 points, and if they manage to win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, then they will become the table toppers.

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Earlier, RCB head coach Andy Flower revealed that the skipper Rajat Patidar, who got injured while fielding against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is fit to feature against SRH.

“Rajat Patidar, for one, has given his right hand a little bit of time to settle after getting quite a bad knock. So, he is fit to bat, which is great,” said Flower.

RCB and SRH have played 25 matches against each other in the history of the cash-rich league. Out of these 25 games, RCB have won 11, whereas SRH have come out victorious on 13 occasions. 1 match ended without a result. This will be the first time in IPL 2025 that both teams will face each other.